Kyaggwe finally have a Masaza Cup title to show for years of investment, near misses and growing expectations after edging five-time champions Gomba 1-0 in Saturday’s final at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
For a county that had repeatedly threatened to conquer Buganda’s premier football competition without completing the job, the victory was a moment of redemption and the culmination of a project that has steadily gathered momentum over the past three seasons.
Kyaggwe had not won the competition since 2004, when all 18 counties of Buganda Kingdom were brought together in a tournament designed to promote unity and social cohesion among people living in the kingdom.
Their previous best finish was reaching the 2024 final, only to lose 1-0 to Buddu. Gomba, Ssingo, Buddu and Bulemeezi were among the counties that had enjoyed the ultimate prize while Kyaggwe continued to wait.
That wait finally ended in front of a passionate Kyaggwe following that turned Wankulukuku into a sea of celebration. The final was also graced by the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who presented the trophy to the victorious county.
Some supporters had travelled overnight to beat the National Cleaning Day restrictions, which limited movement between 7am and 10am. Their voices remained prominent inside and outside the stadium, creating an atmosphere that underlined the importance of the occasion.
Second-half substitute George Isingoma Kato delivered the decisive moment, finishing a well-worked move after combining with David Mugalu on the right flank. The attack unsettled Gomba’s defence, with Collin Ssemanda losing possession before Kato capitalised to beat goalkeeper Bashir Ssenyonga.
Kato, who is also a reserve player at Vipers SC, had joined Kyaggwe’s campaign at the quarter-final stage but made an immediate impact when called upon in the final.
“It’s a very special moment for me as a player. I came on and made the difference,” Kato said.
Patience pays off
The goal rewarded a Kyaggwe side that had controlled much of the first half but initially lacked the composure to turn its superiority into goals.
Mugalu and Lauben Lubwama were among those who found promising opportunities but failed to convert, while Gomba relied on the defensive organisation marshalled by Herbert Onen to keep the contest tight.
Kyaggwe continued probing until Kato found the breakthrough against opponents who have built a reputation for delivering in decisive matches.
Head coach Ronald Ssali credited his players’ patience and the contribution of his technical team.
“We had many moments but I’m happy we were patient to wait for our winning moment. This is a final and patience is key,” Ssali said.
He also acknowledged the support of fellow coaches William Kyeswa and Juma Ssekiziyivu, who helped maintain the team’s preparations, particularly when he was away with Bukedea Comprehensive School at the FEASSA Games in Tanzania.
“I have behind me a strong team of coaches and they made this work easy for me. Each one’s contribution was key in our success,” he added.
The triumph was particularly significant for kit sponsor Samuel Kasasa, whose connection with the county stretches beyond financial support.
Kasasa played for Kyaggwe as a left back for 10 years before retiring in 2014. He had hoped to step away from the game after hanging up his boots but was instead persuaded to become one of the team’s financial supporters.
He accepted the responsibility despite uncertainty over whether the county would ever get its hands on the trophy.
“There have always been signs but we have been unlucky on many occasions. I can’t believe that we are now among the winners,” Kasasa said.
Investment finally rewarded
Kyaggwe’s breakthrough has not been accidental. The county has built a strong supporter base over the past three seasons under the leadership of its county chief, Vincent Matovu, while retaining a core of experienced players around whom younger talent has been introduced.
Defenders Vincent Agaku, Emmanuel Shikanga, captain Julius Kato and Godfrey Arijole have provided continuity to a team that has gradually become one of the competition’s most consistent challengers.
Their progress has also been supported by improved player welfare and financial backing from politicians, Members of Parliament and businesspeople associated with the county.
The victory also carries a measure of redemption after last year’s elimination against eventual champions Buweekula. Kyaggwe had raised complaints about the circumstances surrounding their exit and felt their grievances were not adequately addressed by the organisers.
But this time, there was no room for another near miss. The trophy is theirs.
Celebrations spread across Mukono and surrounding communities after the final, with supporters lining roads from Seeta towards the Jinja-Kayunga roundabout to await the returning team and its trophy.
Bars and entertainment spots organised victory parties that continued late into the night, despite persistent rain and chilly conditions.